Viola Davis has expressed a keen interest in the possibility of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), showcasing her versatility and talent for potential roles within Marvel Studios’ expansive franchise. As James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe (DCU) continues to take shape with upcoming projects like Creature Commandos and Superman, a diverse array of actors, both well-known and lesser-known, are stepping into the DCU. Among them is Davis, who reprises her role as Amanda Waller, the formidable leader from the Suicide Squad series.
Viola Davis’ Enthusiastic Remarks About the MCU
Viola Davis Sets Her Sights on a Marvel Role
While attending a G20 event, Davis shared her thoughts on potentially portraying a character in the Marvel universe during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. She humorously mentioned her desire to embody an iteration of Iron Man, jokingly suggesting “Iron Mania”as a playful twist. Davis, along with her daughter, is an avid fan of the MCU, having watched every installment multiple times. This level of enthusiasm is rare among A-list stars, particularly those with her talent.
However, it is important to note that the specific characters Davis mentioned, like “Iron Mania,”do not exist within the Marvel Comics universe. The closest equivalents include Riri Williams, known as Ironheart, who creates her own armored technology, and Pepper Potts, famously donning the Rescue armor. Thus, the likelihood of Davis stepping into an armored superhero role appears limited.
Viola Davis’ Versatile Acting Background
A Legacy of Strong, Commanding Roles
Davis’s remarkable career includes earning the prestigious EGOT status, securing an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She has delivered powerful performances in iconic roles, including Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, Aibileen Clark in The Help, and Rose Maxson in Fences. Her role as General Nanisca in The Woman King and Amanda Waller further demonstrates her capability of bringing strong, dynamic characters to life.
Davis’s aptitude for portraying formidable personalities makes her an excellent candidate for various roles in the superhero genre. While she has an established connection with DC as Amanda Waller, Marvel could find strategic opportunities for her to play different types of characters that highlight her physicality and commanding presence, such as characters like Shard, Wildstreak, Frenzy, and others.
Potential for Simultaneous Roles in the DCU and MCU
Viola Davis May Navigate Both Marvel and DC Universes
As it stands, Viola Davis is set to continue her portrayal of Amanda Waller in the DCU. With her character’s leadership role in Creature Commandos and her own series, Waller, Davis is positioned for significant storytelling opportunities within the DCU. Despite these commitments, her existing roles in the DC Universe may not preclude her from exploring opportunities within the MCU.
Several actors, such as Frank Grillo and Chukwudi Iwuji, have demonstrated the ability to transition seamlessly between Marvel and DC, while Jason Momoa’s involvement with both franchises exemplifies this trend. Even James Gunn made a successful switch from the MCU to the DCU, showcasing the industry’s flexibility for talented actors. If Viola Davis expresses interest, the possibility for her to hold recurring roles in both the MCU and DCU could become a reality.